Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just want a dish that feels a little indulgent, but comes together without too much fuss. That’s exactly why I adore this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe—it hits that sweet spot between comfort food and a touch of elegance. The garlic-infused shrimp swimming in a luscious, velvety sauce paired with creamy mashed potatoes is just pure magic on a plate.

I first tried this recipe on a chilly weekend, craving something cozy yet impressive enough to serve friends, and it didn’t disappoint. You’ll find that the garlic marinated shrimp brings a fresh, vibrant flavor that pairs perfectly with the silky sauce, making every bite feel like a treat. Plus, it’s a great weeknight dinner or a special weekend dish when you want to impress without stressing. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe quickly became one of those go-to recipes I love sharing.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in how these wholesome ingredients blend for an irresistible taste. When shopping, choosing fresh, large shrimp and freshly grated parmesan really makes a difference in flavor and texture.

• Prawns/Shrimp: Large, peeled shrimp work best for juicy texture and easier cooking. I always go for jumbo when I can find them.
• Garlic: Fresh, finely minced garlic is essential – it provides that unmistakable punch which canned or pre-minced can’t match.
• Olive Oil: Adds a lovely hint of richness and helps create the marinade.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for cooking shrimp and making the sauce – it brings a silky richness I simply can’t live without.
• Black Pepper and Salt: Season simply and properly to bring out the natural flavors without overpowering.
• Dry White Wine (Optional): I often use a dry sauvignon blanc, which adds depth and helps deglaze the pan beautifully.
• Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Low sodium options help control saltiness while adding savory depth.
• Heavy Cream: Thickened cream is the cornerstone of the sauce’s luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is a must – it melts better and delivers that nutty, salty flavor that pre-grated just can’t replicate.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness at the end.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is super flexible, so whether you want to make it lighter, add some spice, or switch up sides, it’s easy to do. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Use Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free version, swap cream with coconut milk and skip the parmesan – I tried this and the sauce still turned out creamy, with a subtle coconut undertone.
• Add Red Pepper Flakes: I sometimes sprinkle in a pinch of chili flakes when sauteing shrimp to give the dish a gentle heat that my family loves.
• Swap Mashed Potatoes: For a lower-carb option, serve the shrimp over cauliflower mash or creamy polenta instead – both worked wonderfully when I experimented.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp to Build Flavor

Start by tossing your peeled shrimp with finely minced garlic, olive oil, and black pepper in a bowl. I like to let them sit for about 20 minutes if I have the time because it allows the garlic oil to really seep in, giving the shrimp a subtle but vibrant punch. Just before cooking, sprinkle in the salt — this helps keep them juicy.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp in Butter

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the shrimp in batches, about one minute per side, until they turn pink and just curl up. Avoid crowding the pan or overcooking, as shrimp can quickly go rubbery. Remove cooked shrimp and set aside, making sure to scrape up the garlicky bits from the pan — they’re liquid gold for the sauce.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Add more butter to the same skillet, melt it gently, and then toss in minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until it turns a lovely golden color and smells fragrant. Pour in your white wine (or stock if you skip the wine), crank the heat to high, and let it simmer just until most of the liquid evaporates and the winey aroma mellows — this is where the flavor concentrates beautifully.

Next, pour in chicken or vegetable stock and reduce it again until only a thin layer clings to the pan. Then stir in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Finally, fold in freshly grated parmesan cheese, and don’t forget to nestle your cooked shrimp back into the sauce to soak up all that creamy, garlicky goodness.

Step 4: Serve It Up Over Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Place a generous scoop of your favorite mashed potatoes on each plate and ladle the creamy garlic shrimp mixture over the top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for that fresh pop of color and flavor. Trust me, any leftover sauce is worth mopping up with extra bread or potatoes!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with freshly chopped parsley because it adds brightness and a lovely green contrast that makes the dish pop. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a little extra parmesan over the top just before serving for an extra cheesy kick.

Side Dishes

While the mashed potatoes are the star accomplice here, you can also serve this with a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic sautéed spinach. These sides add freshness and balance to the richness of the shrimp and sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving the shrimp and sauce in individual deep ramekins over a small mound of piped mashed potatoes — it looks elegant and helps portion control. I also like adding a lemon wedge on the side to squeeze over for a fresh zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’ve stored the cooked shrimp with sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days without any loss of flavor. Just be sure to cool it quickly after cooking, and keep the mashed potatoes separate if you can, to maintain their fluffy texture.

Freezing

Freezing the creamy garlic shrimp isn’t my favorite because the cream sauce can separate upon thawing, affecting texture. However, if pressed for time, you can freeze the shrimp and sauce separately from the mashed potatoes. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring to prevent breaking the sauce. Adding a splash of cream or broth helps bring the sauce back to that silky consistency. Warm the mashed potatoes separately in the microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep them creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it delivers comfort and sophistication in one dish. There’s something so satisfying about the way the garlicky, creamy sauce embraces each juicy shrimp and the cozy mashed potatoes underneath. If you’re looking for a meal that feels special without being complicated, trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation. Go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!

Print